Dignity AllianceAlison Barkoff was sworn into office as the Principal Deputy Administrator on January 20, 2021, and currently is serving as Acting Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging. In this capacity, she provides executive direction, leadership, guidance and coordination for ACL programs nationwide and advises the HHS Secretary on issues affecting individuals with disabilities and older […]
By Travis Andersen Globe Staff, January 13, 2021 Governor Charlie Baker said Wednesday that Massachusetts will start administering the COVID-19 vaccine Monday to the more than 94,000 people who live and work in congregate care settings such as prisons, shelters, and certain private special education schools. Baker broke the news at his regular State House […]
Dignity Alliance Massachusetts has sent a letter to State Auditor Suzanne Bump, asking for a follow up audit of nursing facilities. The letter is copied below, or download the DAMAuditor Letter on Nursing Home Complaints.docx. “We appreciate the work you and your office reported in September 2019 regarding the unconscionable delays in complaint investigations of […]
Without this protection, people who become eligible for Social Security in 2022 will be the victims of potentially reduced benefits, due to the 2019 – 2020 economic downturn. For more details, read: Some retirees social security benefits could dip unless Congress acts from CNBC. Resolution Urging the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation to Correct the Social Security […]
25 Investigates: Second wave of COVID-19 crashing into Mass. nursing homes November 16: Boston 25 News interviewed Dignity Alliance on the second surge of Covid-19 and the nursing home reform advocates call for more changes. “Dignity Alliance Massachusetts believes the pandemic exposed underlying issues in nursing homes that only contributed to the crisis. They advocate […]
Disability Advocates Oppose Waltham Light Show at Abandoned Institution We are calling on the City of Waltham and the Waltham Lions to move a proposed holiday light show that they plan to hold at a former state institution, Fernald Developmental Center, where thousands of disabled people lived and died. “In a letter to Waltham Mayor […]
Read FY 21 Budget Letter to Ways and Means.docx to learn about DAM’s specific recommended improvements to the budget. Note: The following letter was also sent to Aaron Michelwicz, Chair of the House Ways and Means Committe, with copies to House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo and House Majority Leader Ronald Mariano. November 1, 2020 Dear […]
Download the testimony: Dignity Alliance Estate Recovery Testimony 20890.docx October 30, 2020 H4978 / S2818 Dear Chairs of the Judiciary Committee: Representative Claire Cronin and Senator Jamie Eldridge, The Dignity Alliance submits this testimony in support of H4978/S2818 An Act To Address Estate Recovery Issues Due To COVID-19 filed by Representative Christine Barber and Senator […]
Download the Letter to Governor Baker about Covid-19 Testing.docx. Covid-19 testing for older adults and persons with disabilities living in independent housing complexes and other congregate living situations Dear Governor Baker: cc: Secretary MaryLou Sudders, Executive Office of Health and Human Services, and Secretary Elizabeth Chen, Executive Office of Elder Affairs and Commissioner Monica Bharel, […]
Stakeholders urge Congress to empower CDC to protect patient safety in legislation to help address the COVID emergency Download the entire detailed testimony: DAM Letter on Infection Reporting.docx. September 13, 2020 sent to MA Senators and Congress People September 13, 2020 sent to MA Senators and Congress People …Among the many improvements needed to improve […]